The Banana Republic Dress

I absolutely adore this dress! I usually don't go for the strapless thing, but this little number was too cute. It has a classic, retro shape, accompanied by the coolest brown and black plaid print. The complete dress is lined from top to bottom and is perfect for a summer evening or a picnic. I loved it soo much...studied it from top to bottom and after sometime, I decided, "I can do this."

The diagonal of the skirt with the vertical and horizontal top is eye catching, so I wanted to keep this element in my project. I got a Butterick Pattern, some red, white, and blue plaid shirting fabric, (which was not a good choice according to the ladies at the fabric store....) and off I went.

After measuring, and starting to piece my dress together, I realized the skirt was fabulous on its own. Therefore, no one piece here. I decided to make a separate top and bottom to maximize my options. The skirt looks great with a pair of leather brown boots for fall.

Like the original, I lined my whole project with navy blue fabric and used interfacing on the
the top. Interfacing is amazing! It makes your projects last longer and hold their shape. I also added the waist with contrast (picture above). Because it was not a dress anymore, I wanted a dividing line.

Overall, I'm happy with the turnout. Is it a replica? Of course not, but the inspiration was well worth the journey. I learned how interfacing should be used, how to place a zipper between lining and face material, and how one should adjust the bust line after the sections are connected. There are still some changes I plan to make: adding navy bias tape to the end of the skirt for a more finished appearance and straps to the top. Fyi: the pattern was simple to use. I've already used the skirt pattern on two other fabrics. The shape is so feminine and flattering.

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Crystal Knob Rack

So... what can you do with a piece of wood measuring 45 inches by 3 1/2? Well, if it's 1 inch thick, you can use it to make the cutest wall rack. But instead of using hooks, use drawer knobs! Here's how the idea got started. I needed a place to photograph kids aprons. Now, most of you know that my girls have been modeling them, but they can't model toddler aprons, right? All I could picture was a gorgeous crystal knob rack used to display those mini aprons I love to make. And after searching in stores and online, I realized they are not very easy to find. Soo...... "oooohhh hubby.... can you drill a few holes in this piece of oak wood I found in the barn?" Of course he did it in a heart beat & he even sanded it down too! The holes were positioned like this: I did the two outer ones first, then measured to the center in between those. And again, the middle of the center and outer one. Got it? I took some regular creamy white wall paint I had left

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Hello friends! I feel like it's been forever since my last post. I suppose some might even say I've been spending nearly all my time on the forefront of creative madness along with trying to continue healing. Holy smokes! Chemo and radiation will change a person forever. I'm continuing my healing journey, and staying hopeful that I'll remain in the 'clear' for a long time. It's odd, the way you feel, when everything you've gotten accustomed to: the running around, working day to day, rushing here and rushing there.... how quickly it changes when it's no longer a necessity. Yes, I am extremely thankful that my spouse supports and pushes for my healing time, omitting nurse life as it was, but like I told my girlfriend the other day, "how many craft projects can a girl possibly do?" ..... Well let me just tell you..... A LOT! Today's post will revisit some Instagram pics, (in case you don't follow along) with some of my most recent

The Mint Needle

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